Dear Sars,

If I do something with intent and forethought (like keeping an e-mail short or dressing like a nun), have I done it purposely or purposefully?Similarly, if I do something with a certain amount of vim or vigor (like doing the dishes or finally unpacking the last two boxes from a move), have I done it purposely or purposefully?I think I might have been overusing the word “purposely.”

Thanks for your help!

Best,

C

Dear C,

Garner differentiates between “purposely” and “purposefully” thusly:

Purposely = on purpose; intentionally.Purposefully = with a specific purpose in mind; with the idea of accomplishing a certain result.

So, if you intend to dress like a nun (…?) and then you do so, you’ve done so purposely, but I don’t think “purposefully” necessarily speaks to your level of vim or enthusiasm — although it can (m-w.com lists the second definition as “full of determination”).

Anyway.First part of your question: “purposely.”Second part: “vigorously,” I think, really, but that doesn’t preclude purposefulness.I just don’t think they’re always synonymous.

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